An efficient fire alarm system is a critical component in ensuring the safety of any institutional and commercial building. A fully functional fire alarm gives ample warning in order to get the evacuation protocols in action. Timely fire alarm inspections are paramount to ensure that the fire alarm system in your commercial building is functioning properly.
The latest designs of fire alarm systems are highly sophisticated and engineered to perfection as per the essential code compliance. These updated designs and models are equipped to detect heat signatures from a significant distance and trigger the alarm immediately. Therefore, it’s important that all building management staff are trained to perform visual checks as instructed by the fire alarm services company at the time of installation. There are numerous components in an industrial-grade fire alarm system that requires maintenance, testing, and replacement when it’s due. These components are:
- Smoke detectors;
- Strobe light, sirens, and bells;
- Pull stations;
- Fire alarm control panels;
- Duct detectors;
- Booster panels;
- Annunciator panels.
The National Fire Protection Association requires all commercial buildings to perform a visual inspection in accordance with their schedules in table 14.3.1 of NFPA 72. The visual inspection of all the external and interior components can be done weekly, monthly, or biannually ensuring the following necessary checks:
- Control equipment must be checked from the main circuit and individual alarms to verify that the fuses, LEDs, power supply, etc. are all in working condition.
- Batteries must be inspected and replaced monthly or on a semi-annual basis depending on the corrosion and leakage.
- All heat, smoke, and duct detectors must be checked every six months during a fire drill.
- Individual smoke detectors and alarm systems must be inspected monthly for any ratio for clear signs of structural damage.
The role of fire alarm technicians in annual inspections.
While building staff can perform visual inspections on a monthly and bi-annual basis, the NFPA requires all commercial office buildings, restaurants, and retail businesses to hire the services of professionals for annual fire alarm inspections. These annual fire alarm inspections involve triggering the alarm system and confirming that the sounds and lights are all working. Additionally, the backup power supply also needs to be inspected as the power could be out because of a fire accident. Hence, every battery system needs to have proper voltage to ensure your devices will function properly and trigger the alarm.
Once the licensed fire technician has inspected all fire alarm system circuits, NFPA-72 compliant report will be filed that attests to the success of the inspection. This translates that each initiating device is counted by point number and location, and all notification devices were confirmed, specified with a clear note for the back battery voltage and amp results. This official report is a crucial element in insurance companies and investigations in case of a fire.
Therefore, all fire alarm inspections must be performed annually without fail. If you recently had an inspection, and need some deficiencies corrected, call FireServ experts for quality fire alarm system services and fire-proof your building.
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